Tag: Wythe Arts Council

Jackson resurrected with tribute show at Chautauqua Festival

June 28, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

When Michael Jackson died 17 years ago, just two weeks before rehearsals for his highly anticipated This Is It tour concluded, millions of fans were left wondering what might have been. On June 27, attendees at the Chautauqua Festival in Wytheville received perhaps the closest glimpse anyone could hope to experience of that unrealized concert. Las Vegas-based tribute production MJ Déjà Vu, led by Justin Dean as Michael Jackson, left an audience of thousands in absolute pandemonium. With the recent resurgence of Jackson’s popularity following the release of his biopic, Michael, children who never experienced the Thriller era firsthand knew every lyric and dance move just as well as the adults who lived through it. Judging by the sea of fans crowding the stage and the screams echoing throughout the evening, one could almost believe it was 1983 all over again. Dean captured Jackson’s signature vocals, dance moves, and unmistakable stage presence with remarkable accuracy. Watching him perform, it was difficult not to wonder whether the excitement could have been any greater had Jackson himself somehow appeared in Wytheville. The production faithfully recreated much of the spectacle planned for the original This Is It concerts. Dean performed songs featured prominently in the rehearsal film, including “Thriller” and “Earth Song,” while incorporating many selections from the intended 2009 setlist such as “Jam,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “Human Nature,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Black or White.” There were also welcome surprises. Fans of Jackson’s legendary Wembley Stadium concert were treated to The Jacksons’ “Heartbreak Hotel,” while Off the Wall classics “Workin’ Day and Night” and “She’s Out of My Life” made appearances as well. Thankfully, Dean spared the audience the lengthy emotional breakdown Jackson often displayed during the latter, and he wisely toned down the famous crotch-grabbing choreography—something I appreciated since I attended with my 12-year-old daughter, along with countless other families who had brought their children to enjoy the show. The Jackson 5 medley showcased not only Dean’s versatility but also the talents of his outstanding dancers and backup vocalists. During “Beat It,” two performers even recreated the famous gang confrontation with an authentic-looking knife fight reminiscent of the music video. “Billie Jean” generated one of the evening’s loudest audience reactions, rivaled only by the spectacular production of “Thriller,” complete with impressive choreography and theatrical effects. One of my personal highlights was “Another Part of Me,” the energetic anthem from the Bad album that was featured in Disney’s Captain EO. Another pleasant surprise came when the band performed the Beatles’ “Come Together,” which Jackson famously recorded for Moonwalker. Despite the showcase of the military drill choreography that was planned as a transition into “They Don’t Care About Us” during the original This Is It concerts, my daughter was disappointed when it didn’t lead into her favorite Michael Jackson song. For the encore, the opening chords of “Heal the World” briefly suggested it would be the evening’s finale. Instead, Dean wisely closed with Jackson’s traditional concert ending, “Man in the Mirror,” a decision that sent the audience home on an emotional high. The athleticism of Dean’s dancers—with their backflips, cartwheels, and flawless synchronization—was every bit as impressive as Dean’s uncanny recreation of Jackson himself. In choreography, theatrical presentation, and vocal performance, this production delivered everything fans had once hoped to experience from the This Is It tour but never had the chance to see. It is remarkable how Michael Jackson’s popularity seems to experience a renaissance every decade or so. When I was ten years old, there wasn’t a bigger Michael Jackson fan anywhere. Thirty years later, when my daughter reached that same age, she became just as devoted—and today she’s an even bigger fan than I ever was. Watching her stand at the front of the stage, singing every word before meeting Justin Dean afterward for a photograph, was one of those father-daughter memories I’ll treasure forever. The evening was made possible by the Wythe Arts Council, and I remain deeply grateful for everything they do to enrich our community. I am equally thankful to Lily Formato, who welcomed my family with a wonderful catered meal of roasted chicken, fresh rolls, roasted vegetables, and plantains at Formato Fine Arts Gallery. During the evening, I also had the pleasure of meeting the members of Soul Jam, the Winston-Salem band that opened the show. Their musicianship and showmanship were exceptional as they effortlessly moved from Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder to modern artists like Usher and Bruno Mars. They proved they could perform virtually anything with a groove. Outstanding as the entire group was, trumpeter Oliver Coutlee emerged as the undeniable star of their set. One of the highlights of the evening was finally having the opportunity to spend time talking with Lily Formato herself. Since opening her gallery at just 18 years old in 2018, she has earned my admiration as the youngest woman in Wytheville history to own her own business. Seeing her breathtaking artwork firsthand while experiencing her warmth, generosity, and intelligence made the evening even more memorable. It truly was a VIP Chautauqua experience and reminded me how fortunate we are to have people in Wytheville who genuinely care about preserving and enriching our community. They deserve not only our appreciation after special events like this, but our gratitude every day.

Strictly Observing

Tams light up Chautauqua Festival

June 26, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

My wife and I have spent more than $100 a ticket to see legendary entertainers like Smokey Robinson. Those are unforgettable memories, no doubt. But we often find ourselves reminiscing about the time we saw The Tams perform live at the Wytheville Meeting Center in 2013 for only $5. That night still ranks among the best shows we’ve ever seen. Their sheer showmanship and musical energy far exceeded anything we could have imagined. Despite being wheelchair-bound, I danced with my wife that night. We met bandleader Albert “Little Red” Cottle and the rest of The Tams, and the warmth they shared was as unforgettable as their performance. I missed them when they came to the Chautauqua Festival in 2014 and had been waiting eleven long years to see them again. This year, I finally got the chance—this time, with my daughter by my side. Though not a fan of what she calls our “old music,” even she couldn’t deny The Tams’ unbelievable dance moves and undeniable musicianship. Robert Arnold, the group’s senior member, joined The Tams in 1991. Onstage with him were 15-year veteran Elton Richardson, Mikai Cottle (18-year-old son of Little Red), and Little Red himself. Together, they lit up the Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park during their hour-long set at the Chautauqua Festival on Wednesday, June 25th as the 8:30 headliner. It was almost hard to believe the performance was free. As Little Red told the crowd, “I joined the band when I was 6 years old. That was in 1976. I’m 56 now. My father told me, ‘Do what I say, and you’ll be all right. The show must go on.’” Clearly, he’s given his son the same advice. Mikai was a revelation—an electrifying dancer who brought back the spirit of classic Motown with mid-air spins, full-stage jumps, and footwork so crisp it would put the Temptations to shame. Watching from my wheelchair, I can tell you without a doubt: there are no better dancers in the world than these men. As they closed with the Isley Brothers’ “Twist and Shout,” Little Red reminded his son—and the audience—that he could still move just as well as the next generation. The Tams have become a musical dynasty: the legacy began with Charles Pope. After his passing in 2013, Little Red seamlessly took over. Now, young Mikai appears ready to inherit the crown when the time comes—and it’s clear he’ll wear it with style and soul. Little Red spent much of the set singing among the crowd, while many eyes followed his path through the audience. Those who kept their gaze on stage witnessed something remarkable: three performers, aged 18 to 71, in perfect sync, never missing a beat. Even when a toddler girl ran unattended through the last third of the show—trying to steal microphones and drumsticks, the band didn’t flinch. Professionals through and through, they never missed a note. In a crowd-pleasing moment, audience members young and old were invited to dance onstage. “I picked the right group tonight,” Little Red said with a grin. “These white boys know how to do it.” They opened with the O’Jays’ “Love Train” and followed it up with a Tina Turner-tinged rendition of The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno”—fitting, as my wife had performed a Tina Turner tribute earlier that same day. The crowd went wild. Then came the Tams’ signature classics: “Hurt,” “What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am),” “Laugh It Off,” and “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” — a personal favorite of the late President Jimmy Carter. They also delivered flawless covers of Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher,” KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Shake Your Booty,” and Wilson Pickett’s “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You.” It was a setlist that had the entire park dancing from start to finish. Over the past 40 years, The Tams have become a beloved fixture of the Chautauqua Festival in Wytheville, and this year was no exception. “Tell your people we want to come back on a Friday or Saturday night when we can play longer,” Little Red told the audience. “We love playing in Wytheville, where we’re all family.” This year, Beach Music Night was moved to Wednesday just to accommodate The Tams’ schedule. And aside from my beautiful wife’s performance earlier that day, they were undoubtedly the highlight of the festival. “God is love,” Little Red reminded the audience during a moment of reflection. “We need more love in the world, y’all.” After the show, it was an honor for my family and me to meet the band again. As he prepared to leave for the night, he turned to me and said: “Let’s do this again. We’re going to make some history.”

Strictly Observing

Emily Cooley honors rock queen at Chautauqua

June 26, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

There are very few days in my life as good as Friday, June 25th. At noon, I had the pleasure of proudly watching my wife pay tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll in an hour-long program showcasing Tina Turner’s heaviest rock songs. She had performed this program last year at the Wytheville Moose Lodge, but being invited this year to the Chautauqua Festival marked a new career highlight. The upper shelter of Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park in Wytheville was flooded with a stadium-quality rock show. Unfortunately, only a few were there to witness it in person. Several who did attend inquired where Emily might be from. When we replied that she lived just down the street, spectators shook their heads. “You just don’t know what kind of talent you have right here at home,” one man said. “It’s just unbelievable.” No truer statement was ever spoken. The handful of people who were smart enough to show up provided Emily with a wonderful energy—an energy she gave back to the audience one hundredfold. “You wore me out,” said our lifelong friend Teny Underwood, the retired deputy sheriff who plays bluegrass music for various churches and nursing homes. “I don’t know how you’re still standing,” said another dear friend, Ann Harrison. “I would’ve been passed out!” Those are the kinds of compliments Emily has waited all her life to hear. She has always wanted to be recognized for the kind of energy her idol exuded. Knowing that Tina Turner made me feel that way when I saw her in concert 28 years ago, Emily knew that’s how she wanted her audiences to feel, too. It was a deeply rewarding experience—but none more so than for the listener. Hearing her enormously powerful voice echo through professional, first-class speakers was like hearing her in the stadium she dreams of filling. It was a full-fledged rock show. Donned in a gorgeous pink dress—reminiscent of a cross between Cass Elliott and Barbara Eden—and glittery silver shoes that looked like they came straight from the Wizard of Oz book, her moves were fluid, full, and rich. This was especially true during numbers that called for dramatic flair, like the Gypsy Acid Queen from Tommy, the rock opera by The Who. That role, of course, marked Tina Turner’s own breakout into rock—and helped her break through the barrier she had always dreamed of. This performance felt like no less a breakthrough for my wife, who is steadily stepping into those same shoes. Blessed with perfect pitch and an alto voice, Emily has always wanted to sing rock songs—songs full of positive energy and joy. She got to play another exciting role when she performed the theme from GoldenEye, the 1995 James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan, which anchored Tina Turner’s Wildest Dreams album the following year. Emily performed a couple more tracks from that record, including “Do What You Do” and “Whatever You Want”—the latter of which she dedicated to me, solidifying for everyone in the audience that the beautiful girl on stage was mine and mine alone. I have never been prouder. Our little girl, 11-year-old Bella, was equally proud of her mama. “You were so beautiful,” she gushed when Emily came offstage. “You sounded perfect!” Bella is our biggest encourager in everything we set out to do, and we love her with all our hearts—for the wonderful young woman she’s becoming, and for the light and blessing she brings to the world. Though there were 16 songs in Emily’s repertoire, the hour flew by, and she had to cut the last three or four. She opened with Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” famously covered on Tina Turner’s Acid Queen album in 1976, and bantered playfully with the audience. “If you see Robert,” she said, referring to Led Zeppelin’s lead singer, “tell him I send a whole lotta love.” She also gave a nod to Phil Collins who played drums on “Girls,” a David Bowie composition from Tina’s 1986 Break Every Rule album, as well as a favorite Beatle before performing “Get Back” in Tina’s raucous style. “Paul McCartney just turned 83,” she said. “And he’s still out there killing it every night.” These are the kinds of legends Emily dreams of performing alongside. But unlike most dreamers, she has the talent to make it real. Having her own band would be a dream come true—but until then, she continues to wow audiences, big or small, with an incomparable voice that seems to come from another realm. We had a couple of very special guests in the audience that day to whom we owe tremendous gratitude. Locally renowned photographer and videographer—and my dear friend—Cory Parker was on hand to capture the event with his magic lenses. Another of our dearest friends, Sarah Taylor (who also happens to be our unofficial public relations agent), was there to film and spread a collection of photos and videos across social media. Famed Wytheville photographer Madeline Lenore also attended to see her friend. “She sounds great and looks terrific,” she told me. “That is the perfect dress for her.” We are also eternally grateful to Karen Melton, chairman of the Wythe Arts Council, for inviting Emily to be a part of our cherished hometown festival. She’s already invited her back to perform next year—and Emily gladly accepted. I can hardly wait to see the rock and roll extravaganza my wife will present next time. May she receive the recognition and opportunities she deserves to share her tremendous gift with the world. As her husband and biggest fan, I can tell you: there’s no greater blessing to be offered.

Strictly Observing